Sheffield Wednesday: In-form Owls aim to pile more woe on Addicks

Dom Howson

Sheffield Wednesday will be seeking to heap more misery on beleaguered Charlton Athletic this afternoon.

The managerless Addicks are second-from-bottom, having failed to win any of their last 12 matches. They have not found the back of the net in over seven hours, possess the worst goal difference in the Championship and there is talk of some fans protesting against owner Roland Duchatelet before today’s match.

Although the Owls have gone 11 matches unbeaten, Atdhe Nuhiu has sounded a note of caution ahead of their final fixture before a two-week international break.

The striker said: “We cannot stop, because now we have won nothing. The end of the season is when it counts.

“Charlton will be a difficult game. They are near the bottom and fighting for every point. It will be one of the toughest games we have had.”

Competition for places has intensified up front following the arrival of Gary Hooper, who could make his first Owls start at The Valley.

Nuhiu said: “Every player wants to start the games. But that’s the decision of the coach, and you can only show in training what you are capable of. I am sure the manager knows our qualities very well. At the moment, we have five strikers here. With this offensive quality that we have, we don’t need to be afraid of anybody in this league.”

The towering forward’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season but the former Rapid Vienna player’s representatives remain in contract negotiations with Wednesday’s hierarchy.

“Since I came here I have always given everything to Sheffield Wednesday, they appreciate that, and know I play with my heart for the club,” he said. “I have changed while I have been here, in a positive way. Lee Bullen has been a big part of my performances, and improvement, he always believed in me.”

Three-goal Nuhiu believes he has proven in his 17 outings this season that he can be an asset to Carvalhal.

“When the manager came we all started at zero,” he said. “I had to show myself, he can see qualities, and I was very proud when he picked me. I deserved it because I was working very hard.

“I had two coaches before this one, and they saw the qualities that I bring to the team are sometimes different to other players.

“That can make it more dangerous to other teams. I don’t have to prove anything to nobody now.”